NASA posted on their website last Thursday that they need one or more companies who would like to takeover Launch Complex 39A of the Cape Canaveral shuttle launch pad and will be responsible for its operations and maintenance.
The launch pad has been idle for two years now. It was used to launch the Atlantis space shuttle in 2011. NASA is expecting at least two privately-owned companies to negotiate the contract with them. There were rumors that one of it is Space Exploration Technologies.
The Cape Canaveral facility was built in the 1960s to become the launch pads of the series of Apollo launches. It was considered historical with over 90 launches made since 1967. However, NASA ceased the space shuttle program two years ago so it had become idle.
There were other 150 facilities in Florida that had been closed or reassigned to other commercial operators.
Bob Cabana, NASA's director, said that they decided to do this to right-size their portfolio. "We remain committed to right-sizing our portfolio by reducing the number of facilities that are underused, duplicative or not required to support the Space Launch System and Orion".
The Apollo program will now be replaced by The Space Launch System and Orion- a more advanced deep space mission which will bring astronauts further than the International Space Station.
"Launch Complex 39A is not required to support our asteroid retrieval mission or our eventual missions to Mars. It's in the agency's and our nation's best interest in meeting our commitment and direction to enable commercial space operations and allow the aerospace industry to operate and maintain the pad and related facilities," Mr. Cabana said.
NASA aims to start the five-year lease contract by October.
